Elopement // Shaz & Michael

Shaz and Michael eloped late last year at sunrise on Karekare beach. Shaz chose a simple bouquet of seasonal wildflowers and their intimate ceremony was captured by Emily Rafterty.

We touched base with them to ask a few questions about their elopement and what influenced their decision to have this intimate ceremony.

 

 

ISADIA: Congratulations to you both on your beautiful elopement! What influenced Karekare as your choice of wedding location?

S & M: We currently live in west Auckland and often spend our weekends hiking & exploring the wild beaches of the west coast. Karekare is particularly sacred to us as we went there on one of our first dates & it felt right to celebrate our love there!

 

 

ISADIA: We love your practice - Natural Healing Co. Did the ethos around your business inspire your intimate ceremony choice?

S & M: Thank you! It’s been an exciting journey creating Natural Healing co. I guess an important part of working as a practitioner of Natural Medicine is prioritising time in nature, which is something I recommend to all my clients as part of their healing. As a couple we find spending time in nature helps us to feel calmer, physically healthier and strengthens our spiritual connection which ultimately deepens our connection to one another. We wanted the day of our marriage to be as simple and natural as possible & for the focus to be on each other, so it made sense to have a small & intimate ceremony.

 

 

ISADIA: What plans are in store for the future?

S & M: We are planning to eventually move out of Auckland for a slower pace of life. Our dream is to live off the land and grow our own food. I will continue to work clinically & Michael will continue his writing, commuting to Auckland when we need to.